Though many options are available for homeowners to choose from when it comes to their driveways, two materials usually stand out as the most popular choices on the market: asphalt and concrete. Both of these materials have their pros and cons, of course, so if you’re having trouble deciding between the two we’ve got a quick rundown of what each could provide your home. Use this guide to make sure your new driveway cost gets you the best surface for your money.
Asphalt Driveway Pros
Asphalt driveways have become a standard in many regions of the United States (the roads aren’t paved with it for nothing). This is likely because of a number of reasons including naturally flexible nature of asphalt that lessens the chance of cracks as well as its affordable price (reliably half the cost per square foot for concrete). Furthermore, your asphalt driveway cost buys you up to twenty years of quality surfaces if it’s treated and resealed every few years. An asphalt driveway has also shown to be appreciated by homebuyers both for its longevity and its beautifully seamless way of connecting the style of the road to the style of the driveway.
Asphalt Driveway Cons
While asphalt driveway costs are initially low the potential cost of repairs and the occasional resealing often can make it comparably, or even more expensive than concrete over the lifetime of the driveway. Additionally, the material’s natural flexibility makes it more prone to issues when confronted by extreme heat which can lead to the driveway developing grooves, and becoming misshapen around the edges. That said, this risk can be managed with some attention from the homeowner as well as some masonry professionals.
Concrete Driveway Pros
The cost of concrete driveways may initially be higher than that of an asphalt driveway but the inherent strength of concrete means that your investment will be more enduring (over forty years with the right care and conditions). Throughout that time the demand for servicing will be lower than with asphalt driveways as well, requiring only occasional degreasing and concrete driveway resurfacing if damage is severe enough to warrant it. Plus, from a stylistic perspective, concrete beats asphalt hands down. Concrete driveways are available in an enormous variety of styles, patterns, and even colors for a price which still is more affordable than many other driveway material options.
Concrete Driveway Cons
Concrete driveway cost may get you a more durable material but it does also yield a greater likelihood of damage from extreme cold temperatures which can crack the surface and require repairs which demand prompt attention. Furthermore, given the rigid nature of the material repairs can often be difficult or costly to complete which may be an extra hassle if you elect to install more costly options like stamped concrete driveways. The cost of such options can be twice or even three times as high as that of an asphalt driveway of the same dimensions.
